Combination Co-Sleeper and Changing Table

ABSTRACT

A co-sleeper convertibly adapted for use as a changing table is described. The invention includes a collapsible rigid frame designed to support an enclosure at a predetermined height. The enclosure has padded walls and is sized and shaped to fit over the rigid frame. The back, first and second side walls of the enclosure are of a first height above a floor of the enclosure while the front wall is of a lower height. The floor of the enclosure is designed to be slightly lower that the top surface of a parental bed. A mattress pad is sized and shaped to fit within the enclosure and is segmented to use as a containing cover for the co-sleeper when the frame is collapsed. A strapping member is provided to hold the co-sleeper to the parental bed. A number of variations of this strapping member are provided. Several styles of support members for the enclosure are provided. These include support bars that attach to the rigid frame, a series of hangers that support horizontal bars while hanging from top rails of the frame, and rigid panels and support rods fitted into pockets on the underside of the enclosure. Variants on the invention also include mesh panels for lower portions of the enclosure walls and rigid panels for insertion into pockets in the enclosure walls designed to prevent the formation of unwanted folds in the enclosure walls that could trap a child. The co-sleeper is height adjustable for variations in parental bed height.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The instant application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.11/209,401, filed Aug. 22, 2005 which is a continuation of allowed U.S.application Ser. No. 10/448,538, filed May 8, 2003, issued as U.S. Pat.No. 6,931,677, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 09/838,041, filed Apr. 20, 2001, now issued as U.S. Pat. No.6,678,211, which reissued as U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/838,041, now U.S. Reissue Pat. No. 39,136, which is acontinuation-in-part of International Application No. PCT/US00/14086,filed May 22, 2000, which was published under PCT Article 21 (2) inEnglish as International Publication No. WO 01/80692, which claimspriority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/552,331, now U.S. Pat.No. 6,148,456, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/244,140, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,112,347, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/903,640, nowU.S. Pat. No. 5,845,349, which claims priority to U.S. PatentApplication No. 60/039,728.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention relates to the field of convertible units for usewith babies and very young children; in particular to units which may beeasily converted to a changing table or child's bed side sleepingenclosure, hereinafter referred to for convenience as a “co-sleeper”,that attaches securely to the parents' bed.

BACKGROUND

Furniture and fixtures for use by babies and small children oftenpresents a problem for parents with limited living space. For thisreason it is desirable that such furniture serve more than one purpose.A bedside co-sleeper is very useful for an infant or very young child asit prevents a parent from having to get out of bed to deal with a childrequiring minor attention or comforting. If the co-sleeper can then beput to other uses, the parents will save both space and the cost ofother furniture. Various examples of such multi purpose children'sfurniture have been patented and sold.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,349,709, issued to Cheng teaches a foldingcombination playpen and baby bed having an elevated floorboard. U.S.Pat. No. 5,339,470, issued to Shamie discloses a combination foldableplaypen and dressing/changing table. U.S. Pat. No. 5,553,336 issued toMariol adds an upper level to a playpen to provide a bassinet. The shortlegs of the upper level are into openings in the top of the verticalsupports of the playpen. U.S. Pat. No. 2,632,186, issued to Berk et al.discloses a portable combination crib and playpen. U.S. Pat. No.2,691,176 issued to Saldana teaches a unit designed for home and travelthat may be used as a support for a playpen, bassinet or baby chair.

Beside cribs that attached to the parents' bed were known at the turn ofthe century (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,548,005; 620,069; 1,138,451; 1,283,169;1,267,244) but fell out of favor for many years. Recently there has beena resurgence in the practice of having babies adjacent the parents' bed.Such bed side devices are taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,172,435 to Griffinet al; U.S. Pat. No. 5,148,561 to Tharalson et al; and U.S. Pat. No.5,293,655 to Van Winkle et al.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a bedsideco-sleeper that can be adapted for use as a changing table. It is afurther objective of the invention to provide a stand alone unit that isinexpensive, compact and portable. It is still a further objective ofthe present invention that the unit be simple to erect and collapsiblefor transport and storage. Finally, it is an objective of the inventionthat the co-sleeper design consider and address all possible safetyconsiderations related to its use. Other features and advantages of theinvention will be seen from the following description and drawings. Thepresent invention addresses many of the deficiencies of prior artconvertible sleeping unit inventions and satisfies all of the objectivesdescribed above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A combination co-sleeper and changing table providing the desiredfeatures may be constructed from the following components. A rigid frameis provided. The frame provides means for attaching a support platformat a first predetermined height. The first predetermined height is lessthan a height of a top surface of a mattress of a parental bed. Anenclosure is provided. The enclosure has an open top, a surrounding walland a floor, the floor has an upper surface and a lower surface. Theenclosure is sized and shaped to fit removably over the rigid frame withthe lower surface of the floor located upon the support platform. Amattress pad is provided. The mattress pad is sized and shaped to fitslidably within the enclosure. Means are provided for removablyattaching the rigid frame to a side of the parental bed.

In a variant of the invention, the rigid frame includes a front sideelement, a back side element, a first side element and a second sideelement. The rigid frame is formed at a top by a rear upper horizontalrail and first and second upper side parallel horizontal rails and twoupper front corner members and two upper rear corner members incooperation with the rails. The rigid frame is formed adjacent a floorby front and rear lower parallel horizontal rails and first side andsecond side lower parallel horizontal rails and four lower corner leamembers in cooperation with the rails. A pair of front vertical railsand a pair of rear vertical rails are in further cooperation with thetwo upper front corner members and the two upper rear corner members andthe four lower corner leg members.

A front upper horizontal rail is in cooperation with the front verticalrails. The front upper horizontal rail has a first end and a second end.The rear upper horizontal rail and first and second upper side parallelhorizontal rails are located at a second predetermined height and thefront upper horizontal rail is located at a third, lower predeterminedheight. The third predetermined height is greater than the firstpredetermined height and the second predetermined height is greater thanthe third predetermined height.

In a further variant, the support platform includes first and secondintermediate side parallel horizontal rails and first and secondhorizontal support rails. The first and second intermediate sideparallel horizontal rails have first and second ends, a mid point andare removably connected at the first and second ends to the front andrear vertical rails of the first and second side elements, respectively.The first and second horizontal support rails have first and secondends, a mid point and are removably connected at the first and secondends to the first and second intermediate side parallel horizontalrails.

In still a further variant, the support platform includes first, second,third and fourth support hangers. Each of the support hangers has afirst end, a second end, an inner side and an outer side. Each of thehangers has a curved hooking portion located at the first end. Thehooking portion is sized and shaped to fit frictionally over the rigidframe and one of the first and second upper side horizontal rails. Eachof the support hangers further includes at least two circular orifices.The orifices extend from the inner side to the outer side of thehangers. The hangers also include at least two spring button housings.The housings are located on the outer sides of the support hangersadjacent the orifices. Each of the spring button housings includes afinger opening.

Two support rods are provided. Each of the rods has a first end and asecond end and is sized and shaped to extend between one of the firstand second support hangers and one of the third and fourth supporthangers when the support hangers are located on one of the first andsecond upper side horizontal rails. Each of the support rods has aspring button mounted at the first end and the second end. The springbutton is sized and shaped to engage the spring button housing. When thefirst and second ends of the support rods are introduced into theorifices of the support hangers, and the support hangers are located onone of the first and second upper side horizontal rails, the springbuttons will removably engage the spring button housings of the hangers,thereby providing a support platform for the enclosure.

In yet another variant of the invention, the enclosure further includesat least one tie down strap. The strap is fixedly attached to a lowerportion of the enclosure and serving to secure the enclosure to therigid frame so as to prevent the enclosure from rocking on the supporthangers.

In still another variant, the support platform includes a series ofrigid floor panels. The floor panels are sized and shaped to fit withindimensions of the floor of the enclosure. A series of panel pockets isprovided. The panel pockets have an upper surface and a lower surfaceand are fixedly attached at their upper surfaces to the lower surface ofthe enclosure. The panel pockets are sized and shaped to removablyenclose the rigid floor panels.

A series of support bars are provided. The bars are sized and shaped tofit within dimensions of the floor of the enclosure. A series of barpockets are provided. The bar pockets have an upper surface and a lowersurface and are fixedly attached at their upper surfaces to the lowersurface of the panel pockets. The bar pockets are sized and shaped toremovably enclose the support bars. When the rigid floor panels areinserted into the panel pockets, the support bars are inserted into thebar pockets and the enclosure is installed on the rigid frame, theenclosure will include a support platform maintained at the firstpredetermined height.

In still a further variant of the invention, means are provided forpivotally mounting the front upper horizontal rail to the front verticalrails. Means are provided for pivotally mounting the rear upperhorizontal rail to the upper rear corner members. Frame locking devicesare pivotally mounted at center points of the front and rear upperhorizontal rails. The frame locking devices permit the front and rearupper horizontal rails to pivot downwardly from an open top of theframe.

Means are provided for pivotally mounting the first and second upperside horizontal rails to the upper front and rear corner members. Framelocking devices are pivotally mounted at center points of the first andsecond upper side horizontal rails. The frame locking devices permiteach of the rails to pivot downwardly from the open top of the frame.

Means are provided for pivotally mounting the first and second lowerside horizontal rails to the lower front and rear corner leg members.Frame locking devices are pivotally mounted at center points of thefirst and second side lower horizontal rails. The frame locking devicespermit each of the rails to pivot upwardly.

Means are provided for pivotally mounting the front and rear lowerhorizontal rails to the lower front and rear corner members,respectively. Frame locking devices are pivotally mounted at centerpoints of the front and rear lower horizontal rails. The frame lockingdevices permit each of the rails to pivot upwardly. The frame may bequickly folded into a compact package for transport and storage byreleasing the frame locking devices and depressing the upper horizontalrails downwardly while pulling upwardly on the lower horizontal rails,thereby causing the upper horizontal rails to bend downwardly and thelower horizontal rails to bend upwardly and the vertical rails to moveinwardly.

In another variant, the means for removably connecting the first andsecond intermediate side parallel horizontal rails to the front and rearvertical rails of the first and second side elements and the first andsecond horizontal support rails to the first and second intermediateside parallel horizontal rails includes a plurality of coupling units.The coupling units are mounted to each of the first and second ends ofthe intermediate side parallel horizontal rails, the first and secondhorizontal support rails and front upper horizontal rail.

The coupling units include a T-shaped protrusion orthogonal to the railsand extending from a lower end of the coupling unit to an upper end ofthe coupling unit and terminating in a stop. A resilient securing tab islocated on the coupling unit below the T-shaped protrusion. The securingtab includes a locking projection spaced downwardly from a lower end ofthe T-shaped protrusion and extending outwardly from the securing tab.The locking projection has a flattened upper surface orthogonal to thesecuring tab.

A series of receiving units are provided. The receiving units aremounted to each of the front and rear vertical rails and theintermediate side parallel horizontal rails. The receiving units have amating T-shaped slot extending from an upper end of the receiving unitto a lower end of the receiving unit. The slot terminates in a closedend. The closed end has a flattened lower surface. The receiving unitsare sized shaped and located to removably secure the coupling units withthe locking projection removably engaging the flattened lower surface ofthe closed end of the mating T-shaped slot when the T-shaped protrusionof the coupling unit is seated in the T-shaped slot of the receivingunit.

When the coupling units are removably attached to the receiving units,the first and second ends of the intermediate side parallel horizontalrails and the front upper horizontal rail will be removably attached tothe front and rear vertical rails and the first and second horizontalsupport rails will be removably attached to the intermediate sideparallel horizontal rails.

In yet another variant of the invention, the enclosure further includesa back wall, a front wall and first and second side walls. The backwall, first and second side walls extend from the floor to at least aheight of the rear upper horizontal rail and first and second upper sideparallel horizontal rails. The front wall extends from the floor to atleast a height of the front upper horizontal rail.

Each of the walls has a padded inner layer. The inner layer is locatedbetween the front side element, back side element, first side elementand second side element. Each of the walls has an outer layer. The outerlayer extends outwardly from the rigid frame. The padded inner layersand the outer layers are joined along upper edges and outer corners toform a pocket enclosing the front and rear upper horizontal rail andfirst and second upper side parallel horizontal rails and upper portionsof the front and rear vertical rails. At least one tie down is provided.The tie down is fixedly attached at a lower corner of the enclosure forremovably securing the enclosure to the rigid frame.

In yet a further variant, the enclosure further includes a back wall, afront wall and first and second side walls. The back wall, first andsecond side walls extend from the floor to at least the height of therear upper horizontal rail and first and second upper side parallelhorizontal rails. The front wall extends from the floor to at least theheight of the front upper horizontal rail. Each of the walls has apadded inner layer. The inner layer has an inner surface and an outersurface and is located between the front side element, back sideelement, first side element and second side element.

Each of the walls has an outer layer. The outer layer has an innersurface and an outer surface and extending outwardly from the rigidframe. The padded inner layers and the outer layers are joined alongupper edges forming a series of exterior flaps extending downwardly fromthe front and rear upper horizontal rails and first and second upperside parallel horizontal rails. Means are provided for removablyattaching the outer surfaces of the padded inner layers to the innersurfaces of the outer layers to secure the enclosure to the rigid frame.

In still a further variant of the invention, the enclosure furtherincludes a series of rigid panels. The panels are sized and shaped toprovide structural support for the back wall, front wall and first andsecond side walls of the enclosure. A series of pockets is provided. Thepockets are located on the outer surface of the padded inner layers ofthe walls and are sized and shaped to removably enclose the rigidpanels. A series of openings in the outer layers of the walls isprovided for accessing the pockets. When the rigid panels are installedin the pockets, an occupant of the enclosure will not be able to pushthe walls outwardly beyond the rigid frame to produce an entrappingfold.

In yet a further variant, the enclosure further includes a series ofrigid panels. The panels are sized and shaped to provide structuralsupport for the back wall, front wall and first and second side walls ofthe enclosure. A series of pockets is provided. The pockets are locatedon the outer surface of the padded inner layers of the walls and aresized and shaped to removably enclose the rigid panels. When the rigidpanels are installed in the pockets, an occupant of the enclosure willnot be able to push the walls outwardly beyond the rigid frame toproduce an entrapping fold.

In still another variant of the invention, the enclosure furtherincludes a series of mesh panels. The mesh panels are located alonglower portions of the padded inner layers of the walls. The mesh panelswill provide additional breathing capability for an occupant of theenclosure that becomes trapped against one of the walls.

In yet another variant, the enclosure further includes a series of meshpanels. The mesh panels are located along lower portions of the paddedinner layers of the walls. The mesh panels will provide additionalbreathing capability for an occupant of the enclosure that becomestrapped against one of the walls.

In yet a further variant, the means for removably attaching the rigidframe to aside of the parental bed includes a strap member having afirst end and a second end. A resistance plate member is provided. Theplate member has at least two slots vertically aligned and centrallylocated. The strap member is attached at the slots such that the firstend and the second end are equidistant from the plate member. A pair ofsecuring strap attachment means is provided. The securing strapattachment means are connected to either of the front and rear verticalrails of the rigid frame.

Attachment cooperation means are located at the first end and the secondend of the strap member for reversible connection to the pair ofsecuring strap attachment means. Adjusting means are provided foradjusting a length of the strap member and tightening it afterconnecting the attachment cooperation means to the pair of securingstrap attachment means. The strap member is properly positioned whenlocated under a mattress and above a surface on which the mattress restsand held in place by the resistance plate member located vertically atthe side of the parental bed opposite placement of the co-sleeper andthe adjusting means is tightened so the co-sleeper is held fast to theparental bed.

In still a further variant of the invention, the mattress pad has a topsurface and a bottom surface and is covered with a washable fabric andpadded on its top surface.

In another variant, the mattress pad is segmented into at least twosegments closely aligned and is capable of being folded. The mattresspad serves as an enclosure for the co-sleeper when folded for transportand storage.

In still another variant, the mattress pad further includes at least onepair of reversibly separable attachment means and the enclosurecomprises a series of openings sized shaped and located to permit theattachment means to secure the mattress pad to the support platform.

In a further variant, the rigid frame is formed of hollow tubing, thehorizontal rails each have a first portion and a second portion, eachportion has an inboard end and an outboard end, and the frame lockingdevices positioned at center points of the rails further include aconnecting frame. The connecting frame is pivotally mounted to theinboard ends of each of the first and second portions of the horizontalrails. The connecting frame includes a pair of locking holes. A pair ofspring loaded buttons are mounted within the horizontal rails. Thebuttons are sized, shaped and located to engage the locking holes in theconnecting frame when the first and second portions of the rails arecollinear. Means are provided for pushing both buttons inwardly so as toclear the locking holes in the connecting frame simultaneously, therebypermitting the horizontal rails to be pivoted.

In still a further variant of the invention, means are provided forlocking the spring loaded buttons within the horizontal rails so as toclear the locking holes in the connecting frame after pushing thebuttons inwardly when the first and second portions of the rails arecollinear, thereby permitting easy folding of the rigid frame. Means areprovided for unlocking the spring loaded buttons upon folding of therigid frame, thereby permitting the buttons to lock into the connectingframe when the rigid frame is unfolded.

In yet a further variant, the rigid frame is formed of hollow tubing,the horizontal rails each have a first portion and a second portion,each portion having an inboard end and an outboard end, and the framelocking devices positioned at center points of the rails further includean outer connecting housing, the connecting housing is formed of rigidmaterial and is pivotally mounted to the inboard ends of each of thefirst and second portions of the horizontal rails. An inner springhousing is provided. The spring housing is pivotally mounted to theinboard ends of each of the first and second portions of the horizontalrails such that the pivotal mountings are collinear with the mountingsof the outer connecting housing.

The inner spring housing is located within the outer connecting housingand is sized, shaped and located to fit frictionally about the inboardends of each of the first and second portions of the rails and iscapable of expanding within the outer connecting housing to permitpivoting of the inboard ends when the rigid frame is folded, therebyproviding a means of locking the inboard ends in collinear alignmentwhen the rigid frame is unfolded.

In still a further variant, the rigid frame is formed of hollow tubing,the horizontal rails each have a first portion and a second portion,each portion having an inboard end and an outboard end, and the framelocking devices positioned at center points of the rails further includea spring housing. The spring housing is pivotally mounted on a pair ofmounting pins to the inboard ends of each of the first and secondportions of the horizontal rails. The spring housing includes first andsecond pairs of accurate alignment slots and first and second pairs ofpositioning detents.

First and second alignment pins are provided. The pins are mountedparallel to the mounting pins and spaced outwardly from the inboard endsof the first and second portions of the horizontal rails. The alignmentpins are sized, shaped and located to fit slidably within the accuratealignment slots. Each of the pairs of positioning detents is spacedapart by a distance slightly greater than a diameter of one of thehorizontal rails. When the first and second portions of the horizontalrails are collinear, the rails will be within the spring housing andwhen the rails are pivoted with respect to one another to fold the rigidframe, the detents will be urged against the rails by the springresistance of the housing, causing the housing to spread apart. Thisresistance serves to maintain the collinear alignment of the rails whenthe rigid frame is erected.

In a yet another variant of the invention, height adjusting extensionscooperate with each of the four lower corner leg members.

In another variant, the means for removably attaching the rigid frame toa side of the parental bed includes a strap member that has a first endand a second end. A pair of securing strap attachment means is provided.The securing strap attachment means are connected to the rigid frame ofthe co-sleeper. Attachment cooperation means are provided. The means arelocated at the first end and the second end of the strap member forreversible connection to the pair of securing strap attachment means.Adjusting means are provided for adjusting the length of the strapmember and tightening it after connecting the attachment cooperationmeans to the pair of securing strap attachment means. The strap memberis properly positioned when connected to one of the strap attachmentmeans and extended over a top surface of the mattress, down a back sideof the mattress and underneath the mattress and connected to the otherstrap attachment means and the adjusting means is tightened to preventmovement of the co-sleeper with respect to the parental bed.

In still another variant, the securing strap attachment means areconnected to either of the front upper horizontal rail and front lowerhorizontal rail.

In yet another variant, the securing strap attachment means areconnected to either of the front and rear vertical rails.

In yet a further variant of the invention, the means for removablyattaching the rigid frame to the side of the parental bed includes astrap member having a first end and a second end. A securing strapattachment means is provided. The securing strap attachment means islocated at the first end of the strap member. An attachment cooperationmeans is located at the second end of the strap member for reversibleconnection to the securing strap attachment means. Adjusting means areprovided for adjusting the length of the strap member and tightening itafter connecting the attachment cooperation means to the securing strapattachment means.

The strap member is properly positioned when extended over the topsurface of the mattress, down the back side of the mattress andunderneath the mattress terminating behind the back side element withthe securing strap attachment means connected to the attachmentcooperation means and the adjusting means is tightened to preventmovement of the co-sleeper with respect to the parental bed.

In still a further variant, the means for removably attaching the rigidframe to the side of the parental bed includes a Y-shaped strap member.The strap member has a leg end and first and second arm ends. Aresistance plate member is provided. The resistance plate member islocated at the leg end of the Y-shaped strap member. A pair of securingstrap attachment means is provided. The securing strap attachment meansare connected to the rigid frame of the co-sleeper. Attachmentcooperation means are located at the first and second arm ends of theY-shaped strap member for reversible connection to the pair of securingstrap attachment means.

Adjusting means are provided for adjusting the length of the strapmember and tightening it after connecting the attachment cooperationmeans to the pair of securing strap attachment means. The strap memberis properly positioned when located under the mattress and above thesurface on which the mattress rests and held in place by the resistanceplate member located vertically at the side of the parental bed oppositeplacement of the co-sleeper and the adjusting means is tightened so theco-sleeper is held fast to the parental bed.

In yet a further variant, the securing strap attachment means areconnected to either of the front upper horizontal rail and front lowerhorizontal rail. In still another variant of the invention, the securingstrap attachment means are connected to either of the front and rearvertical rails.

In still a further variant, the means for removably attaching the rigidframe to the side of the parental bed includes a Y-shaped strap member.The strap member has a leg end and first and second arm ends. Aresistance plate member is provided. The resistance plate member islocated at the leg end of the Y-shaped strap member. A securing strapattachment means is provided. The attachment means is located at thefirst arm end of the Y-shaped strap member. An attachment cooperationmeans is located at the second arm end of the Y-shaped strap member forreversible connection to the securing strap attachment means.

Adjusting means are provided for adjusting the length of the strapmember and tightening it after connecting the attachment cooperationmeans to the securing strap attachment means. The strap member isproperly positioned when located under the mattress and above thesurface on which the mattress rests and held in place by the resistanceplate member located vertically at the side of the parental bed oppositeplacement of the co-sleeper with the securing strap attachment meansconnected to the attachment cooperation means behind the back sideelement of the rigid frame and the adjusting means tightened so theco-sleeper is held fast to the parental bed.

In yet another variant of the invention, the means for removablyattaching the rigid frame to the side of the parental bed includes astrap member having a first end and a second end. A hook member isslidably mounted to the strap member such that the first end and thesecond end are equidistant from the hook member. A pair of securingstrap attachment means is provided. The securing strap attachment meansare connected to the rigid frame of the co-sleeper. Attachmentcooperation means are located at the first end and the second end of thestrap member for reversible connection to the pair of securing strapattachment means.

Adjusting means are provided for adjusting a length of the strap memberand tightening it after connecting the attachment cooperation means tothe pair of securing strap attachment means. The strap member isproperly positioned when located under the mattress and above thesurface on which the mattress rests and extended downwardly to a bedframe and held in place by the hook member attaching to the bed frame atthe side of the parental bed opposite placement of the co-sleeper andthe adjusting means is tightened so the co-sleeper is held fast to theparental bed.

In yet a further variant, the securing strap attachment means areconnected to either of the front upper horizontal rail and front lowerhorizontal rail. In still another variant the securing strap attachmentmeans are connected to either of the front and rear vertical rails. Inanother variant of the invention, the means for removably attaching therigid frame to the side of the parental bed includes a Y-shaped strapmember. The strap member has a leg end and first and second arm ends. Ahook member is provided. The hook member located at the leg end of theY-shaped strap member. A pair of securing strap attachment means isprovided. The securing strap attachment means are connected to the rigidframe of the co-sleeper. Attachment cooperation means are located at thefirst and second arm ends of the Y-shaped strap member for reversibleconnection to the pair of securing strap attachment means.

Adjusting means are provided for adjusting a length of the strap memberand tightening it after connecting the attachment cooperation means tothe pair of securing strap attachment means. The strap member isproperly positioned when located under the mattress and above thesurface on which the mattress rests and extended downwardly to the bedframe and held in place by the hook member attaching to the bed frame atthe side of the parental bed opposite placement of the co-sleeper andthe adjusting means tightened so the co-sleeper is held fast to theparental bed.

In still another variant, the securing strap attachment means areconnected to either of the front upper horizontal rail and front lowerhorizontal rail. In yet another variant, the securing strap attachmentmeans are connected to either of the front and rear vertical rails.

In a further variant, the means for removably attaching the rigid frameto the side of the parental bed includes a Y-shaped strap member. Thestrap member has a leg end and first and second arm ends. A hook memberis provided. The hook member is located at the leg end of the Y-shapedstrap member. A securing strap attachment means is provided. Theattachment means is located at the first arm end of the Y-shaped strapmember. An attachment cooperation means is located at the second arm endof the Y-shaped strap member for reversible connection to the securingstrap attachment means.

Adjusting means are provided for adjusting a length of the strap memberand tightening it after connecting the attachment cooperation means tothe securing strap attachment means. The strap member is properlypositioned when located under the mattress and above the surface onwhich the mattress rests and extended downwardly to the bed frame andheld in place by the hook member attaching to the bed frame at the sideof the parental bed opposite placement of the co-sleeper with thesecuring strap attachment means connected to the attachment cooperationmeans behind the back side element of the rigid frame and the adjustingmeans tightened so the co-sleeper is held fast to the parental bed.

In yet a further variant, the means for removably attaching the rigidframe to the side of the parental bed includes first and second strapmembers. Each of the strap members has a first end and a second end. Apair of securing strap attachment means is provided. The securing strapattachment means are connected to the rigid frame of the co-sleeper.Attachment cooperation means are located at the first ends of each ofthe first and second strap members for reversible connection to the pairof securing strap attachment means. First and second resistance platemembers are provided. Each of the resistance plate members is attachedto the second end of one of the first and second strap members.

Adjusting means are provided for adjusting a length of the first andsecond strap members and tightening them after connecting the attachmentcooperation means to the pair of securing strap attachment means. Thefirst and second strap members are properly positioned when locatedtinder the mattress and above the surface on which the mattress restsand held in place by the first and second resistance plate memberslocated vertically at a side of the parental bed opposite placement ofthe co-sleeper and the adjusting means tightened so the co-sleeper isheld fast to the parental bed.

In still a further variant of the invention, the securing strapattachment means are connected to either of the front upper horizontalrail and front lower horizontal rail. In yet a further variant, thesecuring strap attachment means are connected to either of the front andrear vertical rails.

In still another variant, the means for removably attaching the rigidframe to the side of the parental bed includes first and second strapmembers. Each of the strap members has a first end and a second end Asecuring strap attachment means is located at the first end of the firststrap member. An attachment cooperation means is located at the firstend of the second strap member for reversible connection to the securingstrap attachment means. First and second resistance plate members areprovided. Each of the resistance plate members is attached to the secondend of one of the first and second strap members.

Adjusting means are provided for adjusting a length of either of thefirst and second strap members and tightening it after connecting theattachment cooperation means to the securing strap attachment means. Thefirst and second strap members are properly positioned when locatedwider the mattress and above the surface on which the mattress rests andheld in place by the first and second resistance plate members locatedvertically at the side of the parental bed opposite placement of theco-sleeper with the securing strap attachment means connected to theattachment cooperation means behind the back side element of the rigidframe and the adjusting means tightened so the co-sleeper is held fastto the parental bed.

In yet another variant, the means for removably attaching the rigidframe to the side of the parental bed includes first and second strapmembers. Each of the strap members has a first end and a second end. Apair of securing strap attachment means is provided. The securing strapattachment means is connected to the rigid frame of the co-sleeper.Attachment cooperation means are located at the first ends of each ofthe first and second strap members for reversible connection to the pairof securing strap attachment means. First and second hook members areprovided. Each of the hook members is attached to the second end of oneof the first and second strap members.

Adjusting means are provided for adjusting a length of the first andsecond strap members and tightening them after connecting the attachmentcooperation means to the pair of securing strap attachment means. Thefirst and second strap members are properly positioned when locatedtinder the mattress and above the surface on which the mattress restsand extended downwardly to a bed frame and held in place by the firstand second hook members attaching to the bed frame at the side of theparental bed opposite placement of the co-sleeper and the adjustingmeans is tightened so the co-sleeper is held fast to the parental bed.

In yet a further variant, the securing strap attachment means areconnected to either of the front upper horizontal rail and front lowerhorizontal rail. In still a further variant, the securing strapattachment means are connected to either of the front and rear verticalrails.

In still another variant of the invention, the means for removablyattaching the rigid frame to the side of the parental bed includes firstand second strap members. Each of the strap members has a first end anda second end. A securing strap attachment means is located at the firstend of the first strap member. An attachment cooperation means islocated at the first end of the second strap member for reversibleconnection to the securing strap attachment means. First and second hookmembers are provided. Each of the hook members is attached to the secondend of one of the first and second strap members.

Adjusting means are provided for adjusting a length of either of thefirst and second strap members and tightening them after connecting theattachment cooperation means to the securing strap attachment means. Thefirst and second strap members are properly positioned when locatedunder the mattress and above the surface on which the mattress rests andextended downwardly to a bed frame and held in place by the first andsecond hook members attaching to the bed frame at the side of theparental bed opposite placement of the co-sleeper with the securingstrap attachment means connected to the attachment cooperation meansbehind the back side element of the rigid frame and the adjusting meanstightened so the co-sleeper is held fast to the parental bed.

In a further variant, the adjusting means is disposed at a point on thestrap member adjacent the resistance plate member. In still a furthervariant, the adjusting means is disposed at the leg end of the Y-shapedstrap member adjacent the resistance plate member. In yet a furthervariant of the invention, the adjusting means is disposed at a point onthe strap member adjacent the hook member. In another variant. theadjusting means is disposed at the leg end of the Y-shaped strap memberadjacent the hook member. In still another variant; the adjusting meansare disposed at points on the first and second strap member adjacent thefirst and second resistance plate members. In a final variant of theinvention, the adjusting means are disposed at points on the first andsecond strap member adjacent the first and second hook members.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the rigid frame, the enclosure and themattress pad;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rigid frame;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the FIG. 2 rigid frame illustrating thefirst and second intermediate side parallel horizontal rails and thefirst and second horizontal support rails;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the FIG. 2 rigid frame illustrating thefirst, second, third and fourth support hangers with at least twocircular orifices and the two support rods;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the enclosure with at least one tie downstrap fixedly attached to a lower portion of the enclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the FIG. 5 enclosure illustrating theseries of rigid floor panels, the series of. panel pockets, the seriesof support bars and the series of bar pockets;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the FIG. 2 rigid frame illustrating theframe looking devices and frame pivoting devices;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the means for removably connecting thefirst and second intermediate side parallel horizontal rails to thefront and rear vertical rails of the first and second side elements andthe first and second horizontal support rails to the first and secondintermediate side parallel horizontal rails illustrating the couplingunit, the T-shaped protrusion, the resilient securing tab, the lockingprotrusion, the T-shaped slot and the receiving unit;

FIG. 9 is a partial cutaway perspective view of a variant of theenclosure illustrating the outer layers, the padded inner layers of theback wall, front wall and first and second side walls and the tie downs;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another variant of the enclosureillustrating the series of exterior flaps joined along upper edges ofthe padded inner layers and the outer layers;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another variant of the enclosureillustrating the series of rigid panels, the series of pockets and theseries of openings;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another variant of the enclosureillustrating the series of exterior flaps, the rigid panels, the seriesof pockets;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another variant of the enclosureillustrating the series of mesh panels;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another variant of the enclosureillustrating the series of exterior flaps and the series of mesh panels;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the means for removably attaching therigid frame to the side of the parental bed illustrating the strapmember, the resistance plate member, the attachment cooperation means,the adjusting means and the pair of securing strap attachment meansconnected to either of the rear vertical rails;

FIG. 15A is a detailed perspective view of the resistance plate, theadjusting means, the securing strap and the attachment cooperationmeans;

FIG. 16 is a partial cutaway perspective view of the mattress padillustrating the top surface, bottom surface, washable fabric andpadding on the top surface;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the mattress pad segmented into atleast four segments;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the mattress pad illustrating the atleast one pair of reversibly separable attachment means and the seriesof openings on the enclosure;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the mattress pad illustrating thatleast one pair of reversibly separable attachment means and anotherseries of openings on the enclosure;

FIG. 20 is a detailed perspective view of a portion of the FIG. 7 rigidframe illustrating, the upper horizontal rails, the frame lockingdevice, the connecting frame, the pair of locking holes, the pair ofspring loaded buttons and the means for pushing both buttons inwardly;

FIG. 21 is a detailed perspective view of the FIG. 7 rigid frameillustrating the upper horizontal rails, an alternative frame lockingdevice, the outer connecting housing and the inner spring housing;

FIG. 22 is a detailed perspective view of the FIG. 7 rigid frameillustrating the lower horizontal rails, the frame locking device, thespring housing, the first and second pair of accurate alignment slotsand the first and second alignment pins and the pair of positioningdetents;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the FIG. 7 rigid frame illustrating theheight adjusting extensions;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the means for removably attaching therigid frame to the side of the parental bed illustrating the securingstrap attachment means connected to either of the front upper horizontalrail and the front lower horizontal rail, the attachment cooperationmeans and the adjusting means;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the FIG. 2 rigid frame illustrating thesecuring strap attachment means connected to either of the frontvertical rails;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the FIG. 2 rigid frame illustrating thesecuring swap attachment means connected to either of the rear verticalrails;

FIG. 27 is perspective view of the FIG. 2 rigid frame illustrating thesecuring strap attachment means, die attachment cooperation means andthe adjusting means;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the means for removably attaching therigid frame to the side of the parental bed illustrating the Y-shapedstrap member, the resistance plate member, the pair of securing strapattachment means connected to the upper horizontal rail and theadjusting means;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the FIG. 2 rigid frame illustrating theY-shaped strap member and the securing strap attachment means connectedto either of the front vertical rails;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the FIG. 2 rigid frame illustrating theY-shaped strap member and the securing strap attachment means connectedto either of the front upper horizontal rail and the front lowerhorizontal rail;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the FIG. 2 rigid frame illustrating theY-shaped strap member and the scouring strap attachment means, theattachment cooperation means and the adjusting means;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the means for removably attaching therigid frame to the side of the parental bed illustrating the strapmember, the hook member and the adjusting means;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the FIG. 2 rigid frame illustrating thehook member and the securing strap attachment means connected to eitherof the front vertical rails;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the FIG. 2 rigid frame illustrating thehook member and the securing strap attachment means connected to eitherof the rear vertical rails;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the means for removably attaching therigid frame to the side of the parental bed illustrating the strapmember, the Y-shaped strap member, the hook member, the pair of securingstrap attachment means and the adjusting means;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the FIG. 2 rigid frame illustrating theY-shaped strap member, the hook member and the securing strap meansconnected to the upper horizontal rail;

FIG. 36A is a detailed perspective view of the pair of securing strapattachment means, Y-shaped strap member, the hook member and theadjusting means;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the FIG. 2 rigid frame illustrating theY-shaped strap member, the hook member and the securing strap meansconnected to either of the rear vertical rails;

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the FIG. 2 rigid frame illustrating theY-shaped strapped member, the hook member, the securing strap means, theattachment cooperation means and the adjusting means;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the means for removably attaching therigid frame to the side of the parental bed illustrating the strapmembers and the first and second resistance plate members;

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the FIG. 2 rigid frame illustrating thefirst and second resistance plate members, the adjusting means and thesecuring strap attachment means connected to the front upper horizontalrail;

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the FIG. 2 rigid frame illustrating thefirst and second resistance plate members, the adjusting means and thesecuring strap attachment means connected to the front upper horizontalrail;

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the FIG. 2 rigid frame illustrating thefirst and second resistance plate members, the adjusting means and thesecuring strap attachment means connected to either of the rear verticalrails;

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the FIG. 2 rigid frame illustrating thefirst and second resistance plate members, the first and second strapmembers, the adjusting means, the securing strap attachment means andthe attachment cooperation means;

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the FIG. 2 rigid frame illustrating thefirst and second strap members, the first and second hook members, theadjusting means and the securing strap attachment means connected to theupper horizontal rail;

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the FIG. 2 rigid frame illustrating thefirst and second strap members, the first and second hook members, theadjusting means and the securing strap attachment means connected toeither of the rear vertical rails; and

FIG. 45 is a perspective view of the FIG. 2 rigid frame illustrating thefirst and second strap members, the first and second hook members, theadjusting means, the securing strap attachment means and the attachmentcooperation means.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 and 15 illustrate a combination co-sleeper and changing table 10providing the desired features that may be constructed from thefollowing components. A rigid frame 14 is provided. The frame 14provides means 18 for attaching a support platform 22 at a firstpredetermined height 26. The first predetermined height 26 is less thana height 30 of a top surface 34 of a mattress 38 of a parental bed 42.An enclosure 46 is provided. The enclosure 46 has an open top 50, asurrounding wall 54 and a floor 58, the floor 58 has an upper surface 62and a lower surface 66. The enclosure 46 is sized and shaped to fitremovably over the rigid frame 14 with the lower surface 66 of the floor58 located upon the support platform 22. A mattress pad 70 is provided.The mattress pad 70 is sized and shaped to fit slidably within theenclosure 46. Means 74 are provided for removably attaching the rigidframe 14 to a side 78 of the parental bed 42.

In a variant of the invention, as shown in FIG. 2, the rigid frame 14includes a front side element 82, a back side element 86, a first sideelement 90 and a second side element 94. The rigid frame 14 is formed ata top 98 by a rear upper horizontal rail 102 and first 106 and second110 upper side parallel horizontal rails and two upper front cornermembers 114, 118 and two upper rear corner members 122, 126 incooperation with the rails 102, 106, 110. The rigid frame 14 is formedadjacent a floor 130 by front 134 and rear 138 lower parallel horizontalrails and first side 142 and second side 146 lower parallel horizontalrails and four lower corner leg members 150, 154, 158, 162 incooperation with the rails 134, 138, 142, 146. A pair of front verticalrails 166, 170 and a pair of rear vertical rails 174, 178 are in furthercooperation with the two upper front corner members 114, 118 and the twoupper rear corner members 122, 126 and the four lower corner leg members150, 154, 158, 162.

A front upper horizontal rail 182 is in cooperation with the frontvertical rails 166, 170. The front upper horizontal rail 182 has a firstend 184 and a second end 188. The rear upper horizontal rail 102 andfirst 106 and second 110 upper side parallel horizontal rails arelocated at a second predetermined height 186 and the front upperhorizontal rail 182 is located at a third, lower predetermined height190. The third predetermined height 190 is greater than the firstpredetermined height 26 and the second predetermined height 186 isgreater than the third predetermined height 190.

In a further variant, as shown in FIG. 3, the support platform 22includes first 194 and second 198 intermediate side parallel horizontalrails and first 202 and second 206 horizontal support rails. The first194 and second 198 intermediate side parallel horizontal rails havefirst 210 and second 214 ends, a mid point 218 and are removablyconnected at the first 210 and second 214 ends to the front 166, 170 andrear 174, 178 vertical rails of the first 90 and second 94 sideelements, respectively. The first 202 and second 206 horizontal supportrails have first 220 and second 222 ends, a mid point 226 and areremovably connected at the first 220 and second 222 ends to the first194 and second 198 intermediate side parallel horizontal rails.

In still a further variant, as shown in FIG. 4, the support platform 22includes first 230, second 234, third 238 and fourth 242 supporthangers. Each of the support hangers 230, 234, 238, 242 has a first end246, a second end 250, an inner side 254 and an outer side 258. Each ofthe hangers 230, 234, 238, 242 has a curved hooking portion 262 locatedat the first end 246. The hooking portion 262 is sized and shaped to fitfrictionally over the rigid frame 14 and one of the first 106 and second110 upper side horizontal rails. Each of the support hangers 230, 234,238, 242 further includes at least two circular orifices 266. Theorifices 266 extend from the inner side 254 to the outer side 258 of thehangers 230, 234, 238, 242. The hangers 230, 234, 238, 242 also includeat least two spring button housings 270. The housings 270 are located onthe outer sides 258 of the support hangers 230, 234, 238, 242 adjacentthe orifices 266. Each of the spring button housings 270 includes afinger opening (not shown).

Two support rods 278 are provided. Each of the rods 278 has a first end282 and a second end 286 and is sized and shaped to extend between oneof the first 230 and second 234 support hangers and one of the third 238and fourth 242 support hangers when the support hangers 230, 234, 238.242 are located on one of the first 106 and second 110 upper sidehorizontal rails. Each of the support rods 278 has a spring button 290mounted at the first end 282 and the second end 286. The spring button290 is sized and shaped to engage the spring button housing 270. Whenthe first 282 and second 286 ends of the support rods 278 are introducedinto the orifices 266 of the support hangers 230, 234, 238, 242, and thesupport hangers 230, 234, 238, 242 are located on one of the first 106and second 110 upper side horizontal rails, the spring buttons 290 willremovably engage the spring button housings 270 of the hangers 230, 234,238, 242, thereby providing a support platform 22 for the enclosure 46.

In yet another variant of the invention, as shown in FIG. 5, theenclosure 46 further includes at least one tie down strap 294. The strap294 is fixedly attached to a lower portion 298 of the enclosure 46 andserving to secure the enclosure 46 to the rigid frame 14 so as, toprevent the enclosure 46 from rocking on the support hangers 230, 234,238, 242.

In still another variant, as shown in FIG. 6, the support platform 22includes a series of rigid floor panels 302. The floor panels 302 aresized and shaped to fit within dimensions of the floor 58 of theenclosure 46. A series of panel pockets 306 is provided. The panelpockets 306 have an upper surface 310 and a lower surface 314 and arefixedly attached at their upper surfaces 310 to the lower surface 66 ofthe enclosure 46. The panel pockets 306 are sized and shaped toremovably enclose the rigid floor panels 302.

A series of support bars 318 are provided. The bars 318 are sized andshaped to fit within dimensions of the floor 58 of the enclosure 46. Aseries of bar pockets 322 are provided. The bar pockets 322 have anupper surface 326 and a lower surface 330 and are fixedly attached attheir upper surfaces 326 to the lower surface 314 of the panel pockets306. The bar pockets 322 are sized and shaped to removably enclose thesupport bars 318. When the rigid floor panels 302 are inserted into thepanel pockets 306, the support bars 318 are inserted into the barpockets 322 and the enclosure 46 is installed on the rigid frame 14, theenclosure 46 will include a support platform 22 maintained at the firstpredetermined height 26.

In still a further variant of the invention, as shown in FIG. 7, means334 are provided for pivotally mounting the front upper horizontal rail182 to the front vertical rails 166, 170. Means 338 are provided forpivotally mounting the rear upper horizontal rail 102 to the upper rearcorner members 122, 126. Frame locking devices 342 are pivotally mountedat center points 346 of the front 182 and rear 102 upper horizontalrails. The frame locking devices 342 permit the front 182 and rear 102upper horizontal rail to pivot downwardly from an open top 350 of theframe 14.

Means 354 are provided for pivotally mounting the first 106 and second110 upper side horizontal rails to the upper front 114, 118 and rear122, 126 corner members. Frame locking devices 342 are pivotally mountedat center points 358 of the first 106 and second 110 upper sidehorizontal rails. The frame locking devices 342 permit each of the rails106, 110 to pivot downwardly from the open top 350 of the frame 14.

Means 362 are provided for pivotally mounting the first 142 and second146 lower side horizontal rails to the lower front 150, 154 and rear158, 162 corner leg members. Frame locking devices 342 are pivotallymounted at center points 366 of the first 142 and second 146 lower sidehorizontal rails. The frame locking devices 342 permit each of the rails142, 146 to pivot upwardly.

Means 370 are provided for pivotally mounting the front 134 and rear 138lower horizontal rails to the lower front 150, 154 and rear 158, 162corner members, respectively. Frame locking devices 342 are pivotallymounted at center points 374 of the front 134 and rear 138 lowerhorizontal rails. The frame locking devices 342 permit each of the rails134, 138 to pivot upwardly. The frame 14 may be quickly folded into acompact package (not shown) for transport and storage by releasing theframe locking devices 342 and depressing the upper horizontal rails 182,102 downwardly while pulling upwardly on the lower horizontal rails 134,138, thereby causing the upper horizontal rails 182, 102 to benddownwardly and the lower horizontal rails 134, 138 to bend upwardly andthe vertical rails 166, 170, 174, 178 to move inwardly.

In another variant, as shown in FIG. 8, the means for removablyconnecting the first 194 and second 198 intermediate side parallelhorizontal rails to the front 166, 170 and rear 174, 178 vertical railsof the first 90 and second 94 side elements and the first 202 and second206 horizontal support rails to the first 194 and second 198intermediate side parallel horizontal rails includes a plurality ofcoupling units 382. The coupling units 382 are mounted to each of thefirst 210, 220, 184 and second 214, 222, 188 ends of the intermediateside parallel horizontal rails 194, 198. the first 202 and second 206horizontal support rails and front upper horizontal rail 182.

The coupling units 382 include a T-shaped protrusion 386 orthogonal tothe rails 194, 198, 202, 206, 182 and extending from a lower end 390 ofthe coupling unit 382 to an upper end 394 of the coupling unit 382 andterminating in a stop 398. A resilient securing tab 402 is located onthe coupling unit 382 below the T-shaped protrusion 386. The securingtab 402 includes a locking projection 406 spaced downwardly from a lowerend 410 of the T-shaped protrusion 386 and extending outwardly from thesecuring tab 402. The locking projection 406 has a flattened uppersurface 414 orthogonal to the securing tab 402.

A series of receiving units 418 are provided. The receiving units 418are mounted to each of the front 166, 170 and rear 174, 178 verticalrails and the intermediate side parallel horizontal rails 194, 198. Thereceiving units 418 have a mating T-shaped slot 422 extending from anupper end 426 of the receiving unit 418 to a lower end 430 of thereceiving unit 418. The slot 422 terminates in a closed end 434. Theclosed end 434 has a flattened lower surface 438. The receiving units418 are sized shaped and located to removably secure the coupling units382 with the locking projection 406 removably engaging the flattenedlower surface 438 of the closed end 434 of the mating T-shaped slot 422when the T-shaped protrusion 386 of the coupling unit 382 is seated inthe T-shaped slot 422 of the receiving unit 418.

When the coupling units 382 are removably attached to the receivingunits 418, the first 210, 184 and second 214, 188 ends of theintermediate side parallel horizontal rails 194, 198 and the front upperhorizontal rail 182 will be removably attached to the front 166, 170 andrear 174, 178 vertical rails and the first 202 and second 206 horizontalsupport rails will be removably attached to the intermediate sideparallel horizontal rails 194, 198.

In yet another variant of the invention, as shown in FIG. 9, theenclosure 46 further includes a back wall 442, a front wall 446 andfirst 450 and second 454 side walls. The back wall 442, first 450 andsecond 454 side walls extend from the floor 58 to at least a height 458of the rear upper horizontal rail 102 and first 106 and second 110 upperside parallel horizontal rails. The front wall 446 extends from thefloor 58 to at least a height 462 of the front upper horizontal rail182.

Each of the walls 442, 446, 450, 454 has a padded inner layer 466. Theinner layer 466 is located between the front side element 82, back sideelement 86, first side element 90 and second side element 94. Each ofthe walls 442, 446, 450, 454 has an outer layer 470. The outer layer 470extends outwardly from the rigid frame 14. The padded inner layers 466and the outer layers 470 are joined along upper edges 474 and outercorners 478 to form a pocket 482 enclosing the front 182 and rear 102upper horizontal rails and first 106 and second 110 upper side parallelhorizontal rails and upper portions 486 of the front 166, 170 and rear174, 178 vertical rails. At least one tie down 486 is provided. The tiedown 486 is fixedly attached at a lower corner 490 of the enclosure 46for removably securing the enclosure 46 to the rigid frame 14.

In yet al. further variant, as shown in FIG. 10, the enclosure 46further includes a back wall 494, a front wall 498 and first 502 andsecond 506 side walls. The back wall 494, first 502 and second 506 sidewalls extend from the floor 58 to at least the height 458 of the rearupper horizontal rail 102 and first 106 and second 110 upper sideparallel horizontal rails. The front wall 498 extends from the floor 58to at least the height 462 of the front upper horizontal rail 182. Eachof the walls 494. 498, 502, 506 has a padded inner layer 510. The innerlayer 510 has an inner surface 514 and an outer surface 518 and islocated between the front side element 82, back side element 86, firstside element 90 and second side element 94.

Each of the walls 494, 498, 502, 506 has an outer layer 522. The outerlayer 522 has an inner surface 526 and an outer surface 530 and extendsoutwardly from the rigid frame 14. The padded inner layers 510 and theouter layers 522 are joined along upper edges 534 forming a series ofexterior flaps 538 extending downwardly from the front 182 and rearupper 102 horizontal rail and first 106 and second 110 upper sideparallel horizontal rails. Means 542 are provided for removablyattaching the outer surfaces 518 of the padded inner layers 510 to theinner surfaces 526 of the outer layers 522 to secure the enclosure 46 tothe rigid frame 14.

In still a further variant of the invention, as shown in FIG. 11, theenclosure 46 further includes a series of rigid panels 546. The panels546 are sized and shaped to provide structural support for the back wall442, front wall 446 and first 450 and second 454 side walls of theenclosure 46. A series of pockets 550 is provided. The pockets 550 arelocated on an outer surface 554 of the padded inner layers 466 of thewalls 442, 446, 450, 454 and are sized and shaped to removably enclosethe rigid panels 546. A series of openings 558 in the outer layers 470of the walls 442, 446, 450, 454 is provided for accessing the pockets550. When the rigid panels 546 are installed in the pockets 550, anoccupant 562 (not shown) of the enclosure 46 will not be able to pushthe walls 442, 446, 450, 454 outwardly beyond the rigid frame 14 toproduce an entrapping fold (not shown).

In yet a further variant, as shown in FIG. 12, the enclosure 46 furtherincludes a series of rigid panels 546. The panels 546 are sized andshaped to provide structural support for the back wall 494, front wall498 and first 502 and second 506 side walls of the enclosure 46. Aseries of pockets 566 is provided. The pockets 566 are located on theouter surface 518 of the padded inner layers 510 of the walls 494, 498,502, 506 and are sized and shaped to removably enclose the rigid panels546. When the rigid panels 546 are installed in the pockets 566, anoccupant (not shown) of the enclosure 46 will not be able to push thewalls 494, 498, 502, 506 outwardly beyond the rigid frame 14 to producean entrapping fold (not shown).

In still another variant of the invention, as shown in FIG. 13, theenclosure 46 further includes a series of mesh panels 570. The meshpanels 570 are located along lower portions 574 of the padded innerlayers 466 of the walls 442, 446, 450, 454. The mesh panels 570 willprovide additional breathing capability for an occupant (not shown) ofthe enclosure 46 that becomes trapped against one of the walls 442, 446,450, 454.

In yet another variant, as shown in FIG. 14, the enclosure 46 furtherincludes a series of mesh panels 570. The mesh panels 570 are locatedalong lower portions 574 of the padded inner layers 510 of the walls494, 498, 502, 506. The mesh panels 570 will provide additionalbreathing capability for an occupant (not shown) of the enclosure 46that becomes trapped against one of the walls 494, 498, 502. 506.

In yet a further variant, as shown in FIG. 15, the means 74 forremovably attaching the rigid frame 14 to the side 78 of the parentalbed 42 includes a strap member 578 having a first end 582 and a secondend 586. A resistance plate member 590 is provided The plate member 590has at least two slots 594 vertically aligned and centrally located. Thestrap member 578 is attached at the slots 594 such that the first end582 and the second end 586 are equidistant from the plate member 590. Apair of securing strap attachment means 598 is provided. The securingstrap attachment means 598 are connected to either of the front 166, 170and rear 174, 178 vertical rails of the rigid frame 14.

Attachment cooperation means 602 are located at the first end 582 andthe second end 586 of the strap member 578 for reversible connection tothe pair of securing strap attachment means 598. Adjusting means 606 areprovided for adjusting a length of the strap member 578 and tighteningit after connecting the attachment cooperation means 602 to the pair ofsecuring strap attachment means 598. The strap member 578 is properlypositioned when located under a mattress 610 and above a surface 614 onwhich the mattress 610 rests and held in place by the resistance platemember 590 located vertically at the side 78 of the parental bed 42opposite placement of the co-sleeper 10 and the strap member 578 istightened so the co-sleeper 10 is held fast to the parental bed 42.

In still a further variant of the invention, as shown in FIG. 16, themattress pad 70 has a top surface 618 and a bottom surface 622 and iscovered with a washable fabric 626 and padded on its top surface 618.

In another variant, as shown in FIG. 17, the mattress pad 70 issegmented into at least two segments 630 closely aligned and is capableof being folded. The mattress pad 70 serves as an enclosure (not shown)for the co-sleeper 10 when folded for transport and storage.

In still another variant, as shown in FIG. 18, the mattress pad 70further includes at least one pair of reversibly separable attachmentmeans 638 and the enclosure 46 comprises a series of openings 642 sizedshaped and located to permit the attachment means 638 to secure themattress pad 70 to the support platform 22.

In yet another variant of the invention, as shown in FIG. 19, themattress pad 70 includes at least one pair of reversibly separableattachment means 640 and the enclosure 46 further comprises a series ofopenings 644 sized shaped and located to permit the attachment means 640to secure the mattress pad 70 to the rigid frame 14.

In a further variant, as shown in FIG. 20, the rigid frame 14 is formedof hollow tubing 646, the horizontal rails 182, 102, 106, 110, 134, 138,142, 146 each have a first portion 650 and a second portion 654, eachportion 650, 654 has an inboard end 658 and an outboard end 662, and theframe locking devices 342 positioned at center points 346 of the rails182, 102, 106, 110, 134, 138, 142, 146 further include a connectingframe 666. The connecting frame 666 is pivotally mounted to the inboardends 658 of each of the first 650 and second 654 portions of thehorizontal rails 182. 102, 106. 110, 134, 138, 142, 146. The connectingframe 666 includes a pair of locking holes 670. A pair of spring loadedbuttons 674 are mounted within the horizontal rails 182, 102, 106, 110,134, 138, 142, 146. The buttons 674 are sized, shaped and located toengage the locking holes 670 in the connecting frame 666 when the first650 and second 654 portions of the rails 182, 102, 106, 110, 134, 138.142, 146 are collinear. Means 678 are provided for pushing both buttons674 inwardly so as to clear the locking holes 670 in the connectingframe 666 simultaneously, thereby permitting the horizontal rails 182,102, 106, 110, 134, 138, 142, 146 to be pivoted.

In still a further variant of the invention, as shown in FIG. 20, means682 are provided for locking the spring loaded buttons 674 within thehorizontal rails 182, 102, 106, 110, 134, 138, 142, 146 so as to clearthe locking holes 670 in the connecting frame 666 after pushing thebuttons 674 inwardly when the first 650 and second 654 portions of therails 182, 102, 106, 110, 134, 138, 142, 146 are collinear, therebypermitting easy folding of the rigid frame 14. Means 686 are providedfor unlocking the spring loaded buttons 674 upon folding of the rigidframe 14, thereby permitting the buttons 674 to lock into the connectingframe 666 when the rigid frame 14 is unfolded.

In yet a further variant, as shown in FIG. 21, the rigid frame 14 isformed of hollow tubing 646, the horizontal rails 182, 102, 106, 110,134, 138, 142, 146 each have a first portion 650 and a second portion654, each portion 650, 654 having an inboard end 658 and an outboard end662, and the frame locking devices 342 positioned at center points 346of the rails 182, 102, 106, 110, 134, 138, 142, 146 further include anouter connecting housing 690, the connecting housing 690 is formed ofrigid material and is pivotally mounted to the inboard ends 658 of eachof the first 650 and second 654 portions of the horizontal rails 182,102, 106, 110, 134, 138, 142, 146. An inner spring housing 694 isprovided. The spring housing 694 is pivotally mounted to the inboardends 658 of each of the first 650 and second 654 portions of thehorizontal rails 182, 102, 106. 110, 134, 138, 142, 146 such that thepivotal mountings are collinear with the mountings of the outerconnecting housing 690.

The inner spring housing 694 is located within the outer connectinghousing 690 and is sized, shaped and located to fit frictionally aboutthe inboard ends 658 of each of the first 650 and second 654 portions ofthe rails 182, 102, 106, 110; 134, 138, 142, 146 and is capable ofexpanding within the outer connecting housing 690 to permit pivoting ofthe inboard ends 658 when the rigid frame 14 is folded, therebyproviding a means 698 of locking the inboard ends 658 in collinearalignment when the rigid frame 14 is unfolded.

In still a further variant, as shown in FIG. 22, the rigid frame 14 isformed of hollow tubing 646. the horizontal rails 182, 102, 106, 110,134, 138, 142, 146 each have a first portion 650 and a second portion654, each portion 650, 654 having an inboard end 658 and an outboard end662, and the frame locking devices 342 positioned at center points 346of the rails 182, 102, 106, 110, 134, 138, 142, 146 further include aspring housing 702. The spring housing 702 is pivotally mounted on apair of mounting pins 706 to the inboard ends 658 of each of the first650 and second portions 654 of the horizontal rails 182; 102, 106, 110,134, 138, 142, 146. The spring housing 702 includes first 710 and second714 pairs of accurate alignment slots and first 718 and second 722 pairsof positioning detents.

First 726 and second 730 alignment pins are provided. The pins 726, 730are mounted parallel to the mounting pins 706 and spaced outwardly fromthe inboard ends 658 of the first 650 and second 654 portions of thehorizontal rails 182, 102, 106, 110, 134, 138, 142, 146. The alignmentpins 726, 730 are sized, shaped and located to fit slidably within theaccurate alignment slots 710, 714. Each of the pairs of positioningdetents 718, 722 is spaced apart by a distance slightly greater than adiameter 734 of one of the horizontal rails 182, 102, 106, 110, 134,138, 142, 146. When the first 650 and second 654 portions of thehorizontal rails 182, 102, 106, 110, 134, 138, 142, 146 are collinear,the rails 182, 102, 106, 110, 134, 138, 142, 146 will be within thespring housing 702 and when the rails 182, 102, 106, 110, 134, 138, 142,146 are pivoted with respect to one another to fold the rigid frame 14,the detents 718, 722 will be urged against the rails 182, 102, 106, 110,134, 138, 142, 146 by the spring resistance of the housing 702, causingthe housing 702 to spread apart. This resistance serves to maintain thecollinear alignment of the rails 182, 102, 106, 110, 134, 138, 142, 146when the rigid frame 14 is erected.

In a yet another variant of the invention, as shown in FIG. 23, heightadjusting extensions 738 cooperate with each of the four lower cornerleg members 150, 154, 158, 162.

In another variant, as shown in FIG. 24, the means 74 for removablyattaching the rigid frame 14 to U side 78 of the parental bed 42includes a strap member 742 that has a first end 746 and a second end750. A pair of securing strap attachment means 598 is provided. Thesecuring strap attachment means 598 are connected to the rigid frame 14of the co-sleeper 10. Attachment cooperation means 602 are provided, themeans 602 are located at the first end 746 and the second end 750 of thestrap member 742 for reversible connection to the pair of securing strapattachment means 598. Adjusting means 606 are provided for adjusting alength of the strap member 742 and tightening it after connecting theattachment cooperation means 602 to the pair of securing strapattachment means 598. The strap member 742 is properly positioned whenconnected to one of the strap attachment means 598 and extended over atop surface 754 of the mattress 610, down a back side 758 of themattress 610 and underneath the mattress 610 and connected to the otherstrap attachment means 598 and the adjusting means 606 is tightened toprevent movement of the co-sleeper 10 with respect to the parental bed42.

In still another variant, as shown in FIG. 24, the securing strapattachment means 598 are connected to either of the front upperhorizontal rail 182 and front lower horizontal rail 134.

In yet another variant as shown in FIG. 25 and FIG. 26, the securingstrap attachment means 598 are connected to either of the front 166, 170and rear 174, 178 vertical rails.

In yet a further variant of the invention. as shown in FIG. 27, themeans 74 for removably attaching the rigid frame 14 to the side 78 ofthe parental bed 42 includes a strap member 762 having a first end 766and a second end 770. A securing strap attachment means 598 is provided.The securing strap attachment means 598 is located at the first end 766of the strap member 762. An attachment cooperation means 602 is locatedat the second end 770 of the strap member 762 for reversible connectionto the securing strap attachment means 598. Adjusting means 606 areprovided for adjusting a length of the strap member 762 and tighteningit after connecting the attachment cooperation means 602 to the securingstrap attachment means 598.

The strap member 762 is properly positioned when extended over the topsurface 754 of the mattress 610, down the back side 758 of the mattress610 and underneath the mattress 610, terminating behind the back sideelement 86 with the securing strap attachment means 598 connected to theattachment cooperation means 602 and the adjusting means 606 istightened to prevent movement of the co-sleeper 10 with respect to theparental bed 42 (not shown).

In still a further variant, as shown in FIG. 28, the means 74 forremovably attaching the rigid frame 14 to the side 78 of the parentalbed 42 includes a Y-shaped strap member 774. The strap member 774 has aleg end 778 and first 782 and second 786 arm ends. A resistance platemember 590 is provided. The resistance plate member 590 is located atthe leg end 778 of the Y-shaped strap member 774. A pair of securingstrap attachment means 598 is provided. The securing strap attachmentmeans 598 are connected to the rigid frame 14 of the co-sleeper 10.Attachment cooperation means 602 are located at the first 782 and second786 arm ends of the Y-shaped strap member 774 for reversible connectionto the pair of securing strap attachment means 598.

Adjusting means 606 are provided for adjusting the length of the strapmember 774 and tightening it after connecting the attachment cooperationmeans 602 to the pair of securing strap attachment means 598. The strapmember 774 is properly positioned when located under the mattress 610and above the surface 614 on which the mattress 610 rests and held inplace by the resistance plate member 590 located vertically at the side78 of the parental bed 42 opposite placement of the co-sleeper 10 andthe adjusting means 606 is tightened so the co-sleeper 10 is held fastto the parental bed 42.

In yet a further variant, as shown in FIG. 30, the securing strapattachment means 598 are connected to either of the front upperhorizontal rail 182 and front lower horizontal rail 134. In stillanother variant of the invention, as shown in FIG. 29, the securingstrap attachment means 598 are connected to either of the front 166, 170and rear 174. 178 vertical rails.

In still a further variant, as shown in FIG. 31, the means 74 forremovably attaching the rigid frame 14 to the side 78 of the parentalbed 42 includes a Y-shaped strap member 790. The strap member 790 has aleg end 794 and first 798 and second 802 arm ends. A resistance platemember 590 is provided. The resistance plate member 590 is located atthe leg end 794 of the Y-shaped strap member 790. A securing strapattachment means 598 is provided. The attachment means 598 is located atthe first arm end 798 of the Y-shaped strap member 790. An attachmentcooperation means 602 is located at the second arm end 802 of theY-shaped strap member 790 for reversible connection to the securingstrap attachment means 598.

Adjusting means 606 are provided for adjusting the length of the strapmember 790 and tightening it after connecting the attachment cooperationmeans 602 to the securing strap attachment means 598. The strap member806 is properly positioned when located under the mattress 610 and abovethe surface 614 on which the mattress 610 rests and held in place by theresistance plate member 590 located vertically at the side 78 of theparental bed 42 opposite placement of the co-sleeper 10 with thesecuring strap attachment means 598 connected to the attachmentcooperation means 602 behind the back side element 86 of the rigid frame14 and the adjusting means 606 tightened so the co-sleeper 10 is heldfast to the parental bed 42.

In yet another variant of the invention. as shown in FIG. 32, the means74 for removably attaching the rigid frame 14 to the side 78 of theparental bed 42 includes a strap member 806 having a first end (notshown) and a second end (not shown). A hook member 818 is slidablymounted to the strap member 806 such that the first end 810 and thesecond end 814 are equidistant from the hook member 818. A pair ofsecuring strap attachment means 598 is provided. The securing strapattachment means 598 are connected to the rigid frame 14 of theco-sleeper 10. Attachment cooperation means 602 are located at the firstend 810 and the second end 814 of the strap member 806 for reversibleconnection to the pair of securing strap attachment means 598.

Adjusting means 606 are provided for adjusting a length of the strapmember 806 and tightening it after connecting the attachment cooperationmeans 602 to the pair of securing strap attachment means 598. The strapmember 806 is properly positioned when located under the mattress 610and above the surface 614 on which the mattress 610 rests and extendeddownwardly to a bed frame 822 and held in place by the hook member 818attaching to the bed frame 822 at the side 78 of the parental bed 42opposite placement of the co-sleeper 10 and the adjusting means 606 istightened so the co-sleeper 10 is held fast to the parental bed 42.

In yet a further variant (not shown), the securing strap attachmentmeans 598 are connected to either of the front upper horizontal rail 182and front lower horizontal rail 134. In still another variant, as shownin FIG. 33 and FIG. 34, the securing strap attachment means 598 areconnected to either of the front 166, 170 and rear 174, 178 verticalrails.

In another variant of the invention, as shown in FIG. 35, the means 74for removably attaching the rigid frame 14 to the side 78 of theparental bed 42 includes a Y-shaped strap member 826. The strap member826 has a leg end 830 and first 834 and second 838 arm ends. A hookmember 818 is provided. The hook member 818 located at the leg end 830of the Y-shaped strap member 826. A pair of securing strap attachmentmeans 598 is provided. The securing strap attachment means 598 areconnected to the rigid frame 14 of the co-sleeper 10. Attachmentcooperation means 602 are located at the first 834 and second 838 armends of the Y-shaped strap member 826 for reversible connection to thepair of securing strap attachment means 598.

Adjusting means 606 are provided for adjusting a length of the strapmember 826 and tightening it after connecting the attachment cooperationmeans 602 to the pair of securing strap attachment means 598. The strapmember 826 is properly positioned when located under the mattress 610and above the surface 614 on which the mattress 610 rests and extendeddownwardly to the bed frame 822 and held in place by the hook member 818attaching to the bed frame 822 at the side 580 of the parental bed 42opposite placement of the co-sleeper 10 and the adjusting means 606tightened so the co-sleeper 10 is held fast to the parental bed 42.

In still another variant, as shown in FIG. 36. the securing strapattachment means 598 are connected to either of the front upperhorizontal rail 182 and front lower horizontal rail 134. In yet anothervariant, as shown in FIG. 37, the securing strap attachment means 598are connected to either of the front 166, 170 and rear 174, 178 verticalrails.

In a further variant, as shown in FIG. 38, the means 74 for removablyattaching the rigid frame 14 to the side 78 of the parental bed 42includes a Y-shaped strap member 830. The strap member 830 has a leg end834 and first 838 and second 842 arm ends. A hook member 818 isprovided. The hook member 818 is located at the leg 834 end of theY-shaped strap member 830. A securing strap attachment means 598 isprovided. The attachment means 598 is located at the first arm end 838of the Y-shaped strap member 830. An attachment cooperation means 602 islocated at the second arm end 842 of the Y-shaped strap member 830 forreversible connection to the securing strap attachment means 598.

Adjusting means 606 are provided for adjusting a length of the strapmember 830 and tightening it after connecting the attachment cooperationmeans 602 to the securing strap attachment means 598. The strap member830 is properly positioned when located under the mattress 610 and abovethe surface 614 on which the mattress 610 rests and extended downwardlyto the bed frame 822 and held in place by the hook member 818 attachingto the bed frame 822 at the side 580 of the parental bed 42 oppositeplacement of the co-sleeper 10 with the securing strap attachment means598 connected to the attachment cooperation means 602 behind the backside element 86 of the rigid frame 14 and the adjusting means 606tightened so the co-sleeper 10 is held fast to the parental bed 42.

In yet a further variant, as shown in FIG. 39, the means 74 forremovably attaching the rigid frame 14 to the side 78 of the parentalbed 42 includes first 846 and second 850 strap members. Each of thestrap members 846, 850 has a first end (not shown) and a second end 858.A pair of securing strap attachment means 598 is provided. The securingstrap attachment means 598 are connected to the rigid frame 14 of theco-sleeper 10. Attachment cooperation means 602 are located at the firstends of each of the first 846 and second 850 strap members forreversible connection to the pair of securing strap attachment means598. First 862 and second 866 resistance plate members are provided.Each of the resistance plate members 862, 866 is attached to the secondend 858 of one of the first 846 and second 850 strap members.

Adjusting means 606 are provided for adjusting a length of the first 846and second 850 strap members and tightening them after connecting theattachment cooperation means 602 to the pair of securing strapattachment means 598. The first 846 and second 850 strap members areproperly positioned when located under the mattress 610 and above thesurface 614 on which the mattress 610 rests and held in place by thefirst 862 and second 866 resistance plate members located vertically atthe side 580 of the parental bed 42 opposite placement of the co-sleeper10 and the adjusting means 606 tightened so the co-sleeper 10 is heldfast to the parental bed 42.

In still a further variant of the invention, as shown in FIG. 40, thesecuring strap attachment means 598 are connected to either of the frontupper horizontal rail 182 and front lower horizontal rail 134. In yet afurther variant, as shown in FIG. 41, the securing strap attachmentmeans 598 are connected to either of the front 166, 170 and rear 174,178 vertical rails.

In still another variant, as shown in FIG. 42, the means 74 forremovably attaching the rigid frame 14 to the side 78 of the parentalbed 42 includes first 870 and second 874 strap members. Each of thestrap members 870, 874 has a first end 878 and a second end 882. Asecuring strap attachment means 598 is located at the first end 878 ofthe first strap member 870. An attachment cooperation means 602 islocated at the first end 878 of the second strap member 874 forreversible connection to the securing strap attachment means 598. First862 and second 866 resistance plate members are provided. Each of theresistance plate members 862; 866 is attached to the second end 882 ofone of the first 870 and second 874 strap members.

Adjusting means 606 are provided for adjusting a length of either of thefirst 870 and second 874 strap members and tightening it afterconnecting the attachment cooperation means 602 to the securing strapattachment means 598. The first 870 and second 874 strap members areproperly positioned when located under the mattress 610 and above thesurface 614 on which the mattress 610 rests and held in place by thefirst 862 and second 866 resistance plate members located vertically atthe side 580 of the parental bed 42 opposite placement of the co-sleeper10 with the securing strap attachment means 598 connected to theattachment cooperation means 602 behind the back side element 86 of therigid frame 14 and the adjusting means 606 tightened so the co-sleeper10 is held fast to the parental bed 42.

In yet another variant, as shown in FIG. 43, the means 74 for removablyattaching the rigid frame 14 to the side 78 of the parental bed 42includes first 886 and second 890 strap members. Each of the strapmembers 886, 890 has a first end 894 and a second end 898. A pair ofsecuring strap attachment means 598 is provided. The securing strapattachment means 598 is connected to the rigid frame 14 of theco-sleeper 10. Attachment cooperation means 602 are located at the firstends 894 of each of the first 886 and second 890 strap members forreversible connection to the pair of securing strap attachment means598. First 818 and second 818 hook members are provided. Each of thehook members 818 is attached to the second end 898 of one of the first886 and second 890 strap members.

Adjusting means 606 are provided for adjusting a length of the first 886and second 890 strap members and tightening them after connecting theattachment cooperation means 602 to the pair of securing strapattachment means 598. The first 886 and second 890 strap members areproperly positioned when located under the mattress 610 and above thesurface 614 on which the mattress 610 rests and extended downwardly to abed frame 822 and held in place by the first 818 and second 818 hookmembers attaching to the bed frame 822 at the side 580 of the parentalbed 42 opposite placement of the co-sleeper 10 and the adjusting means606 is tightened so the co-sleeper 10 is held fast to the parental bed42.

In yet a further variant, as shown in FIG. 43, the securing strapattachment means 598 are connected to either of the front upperhorizontal rail 182 and front lower horizontal rail 134. In still afurther variant, as shown in FIG. 44, the securing strap attachmentmeans 598 are connected to either of the front 166, 170 and rear 174,178 vertical rails.

In still another variant of the invention, as shown in FIG. 45, themeans 74 for removably attaching the rigid frame 14 to the side 78 ofthe parental bed 42 includes first 894 and second 898 strap members.Each of the strap members 894, 898 has a first end 902 and a second end906. A securing strap attachment means 598 is located at the first end902 of the first strap member 894. An attachment cooperation means 602is located at the first end 902 of the second strap member 898 forreversible connection to the securing strap attachment means 598. First818 and second 818 hook members are provided. Each of the hook members818 is attached to the second end 906 of one of the first 894 and second898 strap members.

Adjusting means 606 are provided for adjusting a length of either of thefirst 894 and second 898 strap members and tightening them afterconnecting the attachment cooperation means 602 to the securing strapattachment means 598. The first 894 and second 898 strap members areproperly positioned when located under the mattress 610 and above thesurface 614 on which the mattress 610 rests and extended downwardly to abed frame 822 and held in place by the first 818 and second 818 hookmembers attaching to the bed frame 822 at the side 580 of the parentalbed 42 opposite placement of the co-sleeper 10 with the securing strapattachment means 598 connected to the attachment cooperation means 602behind the back side element 86 of the rigid frame 14 and the adjustingmeans 606 tightened so the co-sleeper 10 is held fast to the parentalbed 42.

In a further variant, the adjusting means 606 is disposed at a point onthe strap member 578 adjacent the resistance plate member 590. In stilla further variant, the adjusting means 606 is disposed at the leg end778 of the Y-shaped strap member 774 adjacent the resistance platemember 590. In yet a further variant of the invention, the adjustingmeans 606 is disposed at a point on the strap member 806 adjacent thehook member 818. In another variant, the adjusting means 606 is disposedat the leg end 830 of the Y-shaped strap member 826 adjacent the hookmember 818. In still another variant, the adjusting means 606 aredisposed at points on the first 846 and second 850 strap member adjacentthe first 862 and second 866 resistance plate members. In a finalvariant of the invention, the adjusting means 606 are disposed at pointson the first 886 and second 890 strap member adjacent the first 818 andsecond 818 hook members.

The combination co-sleeper and changing table 10 has been described withreference to particular embodiments. Other modifications andenhancements can be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe claims that follow.

1. A co-sleeper for positioning adjacent a parental bed, said co-sleepercomprising: a frame, said frame having a rear upper rail and first andsecond upper side rails, said rear upper rail and said first and secondupper side rails being disposed substantially horizontally, said framefurther comprising front vertical rails and rear vertical rails, saidfront vertical rails and said rear vertical rails supporting said rearupper rail and said first and second upper side rails at a first height,said first height being greater than the top surface of a parental bedto which said co-sleeper has been positioned adjacent; an enclosure,said enclosure having an open top, a surrounding wall and a floor, saidfloor having an upper surface and a lower surface, said enclosure havingan open top, a surrounding wall, and a floor, said surrounding wallcomprising a front wall, a rear wall, a first side wall, and a secondside wall, said front wall having a front wall height, said first sidewall and said second side wall having a side wall height, said secondside wall having a second side wall height, and said rear wall having arear wall height; wherein said front wall height is less than said firstside wall height and said second side wall height; a mattress pad, saidmattress pad being sized and shaped to fit slidably within theenclosure, said mattress pad having a water resistant covering; a floorsupport, said floor support supporting said mattress pad at a secondheight, said second height being lower than the top surface of aparental bed to which said co-sleeper has been positioned adjacent; anda frame retention member, said frame retention member retaining saidframe adjacent the side of a parental bed.
 2. A co-sleeper according toclaim 1, wherein said floor support structurally depends from said firstand second upper side rails through at least one vertical element.
 3. Aco-sleeper according to claim 1, wherein said at least one verticalelement comprises an upper hook portion, a lower floor support receiver,and an structural element connecting said upper hook portion and saidlower floor receiver.
 4. A co-sleeper according to claim 1, wherein saidfloor support comprises at least two support rods, and wherein said atleast one vertical support element comprises at least four verticalelements.
 5. A co-sleeper according to claim 2, wherein said at leastone vertical element comprises a side wall of said enclosure.
 6. Aco-sleeper according to claim 5, wherein said at lest one verticalelement further comprises the back wall.
 7. A co-sleeper according toclaim 1, wherein said floor support structurally depends from said firstand second upper side rails through at least one vertical element. andwherein said enclosure further comprises a plurality of pockets, andsaid floor support comprises a plurality of rods, and wherein said rodsare inserted into said pockets.
 8. A co-sleeper according to claim 7,wherein said at least one vertical element comprises a side wall of saidenclosure.
 9. A co-sleeper according to claim 8, wherein said at leastone vertical element further comprises the back wall.
 10. A co-sleeperaccording to claim 1, wherein the front wall of the enclosure comprisesa flap extending from one edge of the floor of the enclosure, said flaphaving first and second side edges, said flap being joined along atleast a portion of said first and second side edges to said first andsecond side walls.
 11. A co-sleeper according to claim 10, wherein theflap is joined to said first and second side walls through a releasablejoint.
 12. A co-sleeper according to claim 11, wherein said releasablejoint comprises a snap fastener.
 13. A co-sleeper according to claim 11,wherein said releasable joint comprises a zipper.
 14. A co-sleeperaccording to claim 11, wherein said releasable joint comprises hook andpile fasteners.
 15. A co-sleeper according to claim 1, wherein saidmattress further comprises a stiffener, said stiffener stiffening saidmattress to retain said stiffener in a substantially planar condition.16. A co-sleeper according to claim 1, wherein said floor supportcomprises a substantially planar portion which maintains the mattress ina substantially planar condition.
 17. A co-sleeper according to claim 1,wherein the floor support is joined to at least one of said frontverticals rails and said rear vertical rails.
 18. A co-sleeper accordingto claim 17, wherein said floor support is joined to at least one sidemember, said side member extending from a front vertical rail to a rearvertical rail.
 19. A co-sleeper according to claim 18, wherein said sidemember is connected to said front vertical rail and said rear verticalrail by a releasable fitting.
 20. A co-sleeper according to claim 17,wherein said floor support is connected to said side member by areleasable fitting.